Think being Pope is all balcony waves and blessings? Not even close.
On April 21, 2025, just after Easter Sunday, Pope Francis—Jorge Mario Bergoglio and the 266th pope—passed away, leaving behind a legacy of humility and compassion.
Now, the College of Cardinals is preparing for the secretive papal conclave, where a new pope will soon be elected. White smoke means success; black means more voting. But beyond the ceremony, how much do you really know about papal life?
Here’s a deeper, more surprising look at what actually happens once you wear the white cassock.
You Might Not Live in the Papal Apartments
Most people imagine the Pope living in a palace. Technically, he can, but he doesn’t have to.
Pope Francis chose a simple guesthouse (Casa Santa Marta) instead of the Apostolic Palace. He preferred a small suite, daily cafeteria meals, and bumping into other Vatican workers. It’s a real-life way to stay grounded.
Even future popes can request to live elsewhere inside Vatican City, depending on their health, preference, and leadership style.
You Can Quit the Job—But It’s Rare
Papal resignations are basically unicorns in Church history.
When Benedict XVI stepped down in 2013, he shocked the world. It hadn’t happened since the 1400s. Popes technically can resign if they write a formal statement and do it freely. No approval is needed. But tradition and expectation make quitting incredibly heavy.
Today, resignation is seen as a responsible option if a pope’s health fails, rather than an act of shame.
You Automatically Become a Head of State
The minute you’re elected, you’re not just a religious figure—you run your own country.
Vatican City is a sovereign nation with its own post office, currency, police force, and banking system. The Pope signs treaties, meets ambassadors, and addresses world leaders as a legitimate head of state. It’s a strange but powerful combination of spiritual and political authority that few other roles in the world can match.
You’re Expected to Be Multilingual
Latin may be the traditional language of the Church, but modern Popes need serious language skills.
Popes often speak multiple languages to address diverse audiences. Pope Francis speaks Spanish, Italian, German, English, and a bit of French and Portuguese. You don’t have to be fluent in every tongue, but you’re expected to bless, greet, and connect with Catholics worldwide in their own languages whenever possible.
Your Wardrobe Is Loaded with Tradition
Wearing white isn’t the only requirement.
The Pope’s wardrobe includes cassocks, miters, papal shoes (traditionally red leather), and sometimes even capes. Every item symbolizes aspects of humility, authority, and service.
Pope Francis has skipped fancier elements like elaborate capes and custom shoes, but even a simple outfit follows strict tradition. Tailors in Rome specialize in making papal clothing, keeping several sizes ready just in case.
You’re Protected by Some of the Oldest Bodyguards
The Swiss Guard has been protecting Popes since 1506, and they still dress like Renaissance soldiers.
Behind the colorful uniforms are highly trained Swiss nationals who undergo military service and take an oath to defend the Pope with their lives. Their training covers security tactics, crowd control, and martial arts.
Even today, their weapons include traditional halberds for show, but modern firearms are discreetly hidden nearby.
You Get a Popemobile
The Popemobile isn’t a single, official car but a whole fleet customized for security and visibility. Depending on the trip, the Pope might ride in an open-air Jeep-style Popemobile or a heavily armored Mercedes-Benz.
Some Popemobiles are even retrofitted electric vehicles to align with the Church’s eco-friendly values. Whether cruising through St. Peter’s Square or visiting distant countries, transportation has to balance tradition, visibility, and top-tier security.
You Give Up Personal Possessions
When you become Pope, you don’t get to keep your own stuff.
Personal bank accounts, private properties, and even social media accounts are handed over or retired. Your new life is fully managed by the Vatican. Everything you use, from clothes to transportation to housing, technically belongs to the Holy See. Even personal friendships and hobbies become carefully managed to avoid any appearance of favoritism.
Your Fisherman’s Ring
On day one, you’re given a special gold ring bearing a design unique to you.
This Fisherman’s Ring symbolizes your role as the successor to Saint Peter, a fisherman by trade. When a Pope dies or resigns, the ring is physically destroyed with a ceremonial hammering. This old ritual prevents forgeries and closes the door on the previous pontificate, protecting the legitimacy of Church governance.
Your Daily Routine Is Anything But Relaxing
Prayer and Mass are just the beginning of a Pope’s day.
Mornings start early with private prayer, followed by meetings with heads of state, religious leaders, and Vatican departments. The Pope also oversees major decisions on doctrine, finance, and global Catholic strategy. Even meals are scheduled with people who seek guidance.
Downtime is rare. Some Popes sneak in brisk walks or short reading sessions to recharge.
Your Words Move Global Conversations
The Pope’s opinions aren’t casual but carry massive weight.
When a Pope speaks about topics like war, poverty, immigration, or climate change, governments, charities, and millions of Catholics listen. Pope Francis’ environmental encyclical sparked global discussions on climate responsibility.
Every statement, homily, or casual comment can shift policies, inspire activism, or stir controversy worldwide.
You Hold the Keys to Making Saints
Only the Pope can finalize the formal, detailed process of declaring someone a saint.
After extensive investigations, including confirmed miracles, canonization ceremonies are held at the Vatican. The Pope’s proclamation makes the saint universally recognized by the Church.
In recent years, Pope Francis streamlined parts of the process to honor more everyday people who lived humble, extraordinary lives.
You’re Chosen by a Secret Vote
Popes are elected in secret conclaves, but future candidates aren’t allowed to campaign.
When a papacy ends, cardinals under age 80 gather inside the Sistine Chapel. They vote in rounds until someone secures a two-thirds majority. No debates, no slogans, no Instagram ads.
White smoke signals to the world that a new Pope has been chosen. The winner often feels more fear than joy. It’s considered a calling, not an ambition.
You Travel More Than Ever Before
Today’s Popes are expected to be global travelers.
Pope Francis visited over 50 countries during his papacy, often addressing poverty, human rights, and religious coexistence. Trips are grueling, with packed schedules, multiple languages, and tight security.
Flying on the Papal plane (nicknamed “Shepherd One”) means constant interviews with journalists between events.
You’re a Global Bridge Between Religions
Popes regularly meet with leaders of other faiths—from Jewish rabbis to Muslim imams to Buddhist monks.
Interfaith dialogue is now a crucial part of the papacy. These conversations aim to reduce tensions, promote peace, and find common ground on humanitarian issues. It’s not always easy.
Sometimes political pressures weigh heavily. But outreach efforts shape global perceptions of Catholicism in profound ways.
